Raniele on joining Corinthians, reveals chat with Mano Menezes | OneFootball

For over a year and a half at Corinthians, Raniele has been one of the pillars of Timão’s midfield. The 28-year-old player gained a lot of experience in Brazilian football before arriving at Alvinegro in January 2024. The defensive midfielder was playing for Cuiabá and shared what went on behind the scenes of his move to Parque São Jorge, involving then Corinthians coach Mano Menezes.

“Corinthians went to play there in Cuiabá. After the game ended, Mano (Menezes) came to talk to me. He shook my hand, greeted me. Then he said: ‘What are you thinking about for next year?’ I said I’d be at Cuiabá, under contract. He said I was doing well in the championship and that they (Corinthians) would come for me,” Raniele recounted in an interview with Podpah.

“The Brasileirão ended and I was told that Corinthians really were looking for me. I was on vacation and I went crazy. Corinthians and Vasco were both interested. Then they (my agents) would let me know when things were heating up. One day they called me on video, it was about six in the evening. I was at home with my brothers and my dad, and then he told me they had closed the deal with Corinthians and everyone started crying,” said the midfielder.

Raniele – (Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians)

Unknown? Not so much!

With a humorous tone, Raniele shared a story involving Renato Augusto, a Corinthians idol who was present at the game the midfielder mentioned, back in 2023.

“I thought those guys didn’t even know who I was. When we played against big teams, I was so happy when the guys said my name (laughs). Renato Augusto was playing, and at one point he turned to me and said: ‘Hey, Raniele, stop running.’ I thought that was so cool,” Raniele said.

Raniele (Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians)

In total, Raniele has already played 94 matches for Corinthians, with one goal scored and two assists. The midfielder was an important part of this year’s Campeonato Paulista victory, won against Palmeiras.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.